Ashish Raghuvanshi. Guna5 minutes ago
A gang allegedly targeting newly dating couples on the Guna highway has been busted, with police arresting five people in connection with a recent robbery and alleged attempt to sexually assault a woman.
According to police, the gang would spot couples travelling on the highway, follow them on motorcycles and stop them by pretending that their own motorcycle had suffered a puncture or breakdown. Once the couple stopped, other gang members hiding near the roadside or in the adjoining forest would emerge.
The victims would allegedly be forcibly taken into the forest, where they were assaulted and robbed, while the woman was allegedly subjected to an attempted sexual assault.
The gang’s modus operandi came to light during the investigation into an incident involving an engineer and his fiancée. Police suspect the accused may have targeted several other couples in a similar manner, but victims allegedly did not report the incidents due to fear of social stigma.
Five accused have been arrested, while two remain absconding.
Each gang member had a specific role
According to the police investigation, the gang members had clearly defined roles.
Two accused would ride motorcycles along the highway looking for couples. The remaining members would hide in the forest near the highway.
Once the spotters identified a potential target and signalled the others, the entire group would become active.
Police took the accused into custody.
Couples were surrounded within seconds
The accused would ride alongside a couple and claim that their motorcycle had a punctured tyre or some other mechanical problem.
As soon as the couple stopped to check on them, the other gang members would arrive and surround them.
The couple would then allegedly be forced away from the highway and taken into the forest, where they would be out of sight of passing motorists.
Robbery followed by attempted sexual assault
Once the victims were taken into the forest, the accused would allegedly first take their mobile phones, wallets and other belongings.
If the victims resisted, they were allegedly assaulted. The woman would then allegedly be subjected to an attempted sexual assault.
Police said the engineer and his fiancée were allegedly attacked using the same method.
Passerby’s alert saved woman from further assault
The incident involving the engineer and his fiancée took place on Thursday evening as they were returning from Hanuman Tekri.
Near a petrol pump close to Gader village, the accused allegedly stopped the couple and took them into the forest, where they were assaulted and robbed.
The accused were allegedly attempting to sexually assault the woman when a passerby alerted the police by calling Dial-112.
Police reached the spot, prompting the accused to flee and preventing a more serious incident.
Police suspect several earlier incidents
During interrogation, police reportedly found indications that the gang may have previously assaulted, robbed and harassed several couples.
However, no formal complaints have been received so far.
Police suspect that some victims may have remained silent because of concerns about social stigma and public embarrassment.
Five arrested within 24 hours
Based on technical evidence, CCTV footage and information gathered from local residents, Dharanawada police arrested five accused within 24 hours.
The arrested accused have been identified as Bablu, Chhotu, Sardar, Mahendra and Dinesh Banjara.
Two other suspects remain on the run.
One accused had previously faced rape case
Police said a rape case had been registered against accused Dinesh Banjara in 2020.
However, the complainant later changed her statement in court, following which Banjara was acquitted.
Police are now examining his criminal record and investigating whether he was involved in any earlier incidents linked to the gang.
Mobile phone, purse and other items recovered
SP Hitika Vasal said a reward of ₹10,000 each had been announced for the five accused.
Police have recovered the male victim’s clothes, the slippers belonging to both victims, the stolen mobile phone and purse.
The motorcycle allegedly used in the crime was abandoned at the scene when the accused fled.
According to police, the woman’s medical examination confirmed an attempted sexual assault.
SP Vasal said efforts to arrest the absconding suspects are continuing and that strict action will be taken against all those involved.
